In Group ''A'', the Nepalese-Russian Giri came close todefeating the world champion with black pieces but Anandsomehow managed to pose enough problems in his opponent''spath, which is typical when the Indian ace is defending.

The drawn result, however, find Anand half a point behindleader Hikaru Nakamura of the United States, who also splitpoints against former world champion Vladimir Kramnik ofRussia in his 12th round encounter.

With just one round remaining in the category-20 supertournament, Nakamura tops the leaderboard on 8.5 points whileAnand is close behind on eight points.

In other matches, Magnus Carlsen defeated Wang Hao ofChina to share the third place with Levon Aronian of Armeniaon 7.5 points while Kramnik slipped to fifth spot with sevenpoints.

In the final round, Anand will have black against IanNepomniachtchi of Russia while Nakamura will play with thesame colour against Wang Hao.

Giri went for a Semi Slav against Anand that left theIndian in real problems.

The opening saw young Giri, 16, coming up with a Noveltyearly in the game and Anand with his nonchalant play, got anoptical advantage with routine manoeuvres.

It was clear from the moves in the middle game that Giriunderstood what he was up to. Anand ran a little short of timecomparatively and had to find some really fine defence afterthe first time control.

"I wasn''t happy with my play. I just drifted, making amove according to one plan and then another in line with adifferent one. I had the feeling I was losing, although therewas never anything concrete," Anand told reporters after the50-move draw.

Against Kramnik, Nakamura decided against taking any riskand drew quickly that probably put a bit of pressure on Anandto catch up.

The American sounded confident about the last roundagainst Wang Hao.

"Tomorrow, I have black against Wang Hao. At least, he''snot Kramnik. So I''ll have some chances in the final round,"Nakamura said.